New England's Coziest Inns
Pomegranate Inn
49 Neal St.
Portland, ME 04102
(207) 772-1006
www.pomegranateinn.com
Head up to Maine this fall or winter and experience ultimate warmth and relaxation at the Pomegranate Inn in Portland. Just a two-hour drive north of Boston, Pomegranate Inn provides the perfect "staycation" option. Known for its eclectic decor and soothing atmosphere, this bed and breakfast has become a favorite getaway for artists, designers and anyone who appreciates beautiful design. The colorful paintings and unique, quirky furniture quickly turns a grey fall weekend into a feel-good, happy one. Some of the main pieces at the inn were created by Maine's most well-known and well-loved recent artists, including Eric Hopkins, Frederick Lynch and Honour Mack. Pomegranate is the perfect place to curl up with a book, get inspired for artistic pursuits and enjoy a glass of wine and fresh cookies by candlelight.
Cliffside Inn
2 Seaview Ave.
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 847-1811
www.cliffsideinn.com
A seaside mansion in Newport, Rhode Island - what could be more romantic than that? While this destination is typically a summer spot, heading to this oceanside town during the off season provides a new level of coziness and serenity. The Cliffside Inn is an elegant, luxury bed and breakfast that provides unparalleled comfort and ocean views. Perks of this inn include a fire pit, whirlpool baths, private decks, pet-friendly accommodations and a bottle of wine served upon arrival. If the weather is nice, explore the cliffwalk with a loved one. If not, head to one of the many nearby galleries and let your mind wander. The Cliffside Inn is perfect for people who enjoy the glamour of old Newport without giving up modern amenities such as LCD TVs, Aveda products and iPod docks.
The Jackson House Inn
43 Senior Lane
Woodstock, VT 05091
(802) 457-2065
www.jacksonhouse.com
Woodstock, Vermont is one of the sweetest, quaintest towns in New England. It is the ideal setting for a peaceful weekend getaway. The Jackson House Inn is a classic bed and breakfast just outside of downtown, overlooking a small pond. Winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing are nearby, and The Jackson House Inn provides a warm, welcoming evening retreat after a long day in the snow. The food is fantastic and usually features locally grown, organic ingredients like seasonal berries, farm-fresh eggs and locally harvested maple syrup. The house specialty is actually one of its side dishes: sugared bacon with pecans and pepper. The Jackson House Inn differentiates itself with a thorough environmental commitment, recognized by TripAdvisor. The Inn works to conserve energy and water, reduce waste and purchase recycled and nontoxic products whenever possible. These initiatives have made The Jackson House Inn a leader in the industry.
Related: Boston's Best Places for Fall Colors
The Bethel Inn Resort
21 Broad St.
Bethel, ME 04217
(207) 824-2175
www.bethelinn.com
The Bethel Inn is the perfect escape from it all. Even in the coldest days of winter, this inn offers swimming in a heated outdoor pool - how luxurious! There is also a gorgeous 18-hole golf course for those staying there in more mild weather. But truly, nothing beats the Bethel Inn during the winter. It has about 35 kilometers of trails for cross country skiing and there is a complete health club and spa on site. The inn is perfect for families because the resort spans 200 acres - giving everyone their own space and allowing for each guest to find his or her most comfortable spot or activity. For families that want to spend more time all together, there are townhouses for rent on the property fully equipped with working fireplaces and kitchens.
Centerboard Inn
8 Chester St.
Nantucket, MA 02554
(508) 228-9696
www.centerboardinn.com
Nantucket is another fantastic place to visit during the off season. Not only is it cheaper to visit during the fall and winter months, but it's also quieter and more relaxing. The Centerboard Inn is one of Nantucket's finest inns featuring a classic coastal feel. Centerboard was remodeled in 2012 so the house is crisp, uncluttered and fresh. With high ceilings and new windows, the Inn is light and airy. Enjoy the daily breakfast on the front patio in the Adirondack chairs, or curl up indoors with a board game or with one of the Inn's iPads. The Centerboard Inn is also a perfect venue for an anniversary or birthday because it happily provides champagne, chocolates, candles and anything else you need to create a beautiful cozy weekend.
Cameron Bruns is the founder of BostonGreenBlog.com and co-author of Just Us Gals Boston. She lives in Boston's North End, where her goal is to promote ethical, stylish, and sustainable lifestyle choices to all Boston residents. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
